_“Rarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof.”_- Richard Bach, American Author

You don’t have to be a blood relative to be considered family. Anyone who supports you, cares about you, listens to you, and respects you can be considered family and a loved one.

We have a holiday on February 17th: Family Day

There will be Family Day events taking place on the 17th throughout the city, and you can choose to spend the day with yourself or anyone you choose!

Our Alberta Legislature will be open to the public. It is a beautiful building where important decisions are made and the architecture is stunning, containing a lot of artifacts and history!

According to their website:

Family Day at the Alberta Legislature promises free family fun around every corner! Explore the Legislature Building with the Lost in the Legislature History Hunt. Sing along to the playful tunes of Rattle and Strum. Unravel the sleight of hand of magician Ron Pearson. Play dress up in the Agora Interpretive Centre. Whatever you choose to do, Family Day at the Legislature promises to be fun for your whole family.

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Alberta Legislature, Edmonton Federal Building and the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre

Cost: Free

And again, the Art Gallery of Alberta is having Family Day free admission. From their website:

The Art Gallery of Alberta invites families to enjoy exhibitions and art activities for free in celebration of Family Day. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities themed after our current exhibitions.

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last entry at 4 p.m.)

Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square

Cost: Free

Also, if outdoor activities are what you seek, the Silver Skate Festival is taking place! Here is information from the website:

Celebrating its 29th year, the Silver Skate Festival is Edmonton’s longest running winter festival. Rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors and of experiencing winter’s cultural and aesthetic beauty, the festival has exploded into an extravaganza of art, culture, recreation and sports programming.

Edmonton Transit Service will run a shuttle service to and from the University Transit Centre (bus stop #2636) to Hawrelak Park. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon, and then every 15 minutes until the last departure from Hawrelak Park at 6:15 p.m.

Finally, don’t forget that here in McCauley we have our very own Family Day Skating Party on the afternoon of February 17th (noon to 4 p.m.) with bonfires, hot dogs, hot chocolate, wagon rides, and, of course, skating. It’s free and there are skates and helmets available for kids to borrow if needed.

So, enjoy your Family Day. Remember spring is still a ways yet to come, but every season has reasons for it to be enjoyed!

Ian is a columnist and writer with the paper. He lives in the area.